Lorazepam (Ativan) Withdrawal

[binsel]

Hello,

I have GAD and started Cipralex a month ago. I started to feel a little bit more energetic, feel less cold, better digestion but my main problem, anxiety, has been the same. I wanted to wean off of Lorazepam hoping I did not need it anymore after Cipralex. I had been taking Lorazepam 0.5mg (rarely 1mg) before I went to bed to sleep for two months. My DR did not prescribed it anymore. I stopped taking it last weekend. I got a major panic attack second night. I took 0.25mg last night and could hardly sleep and I feel more anxiety today. I have only 6 x 1mg pills left and dont know how to wean it off.

Thanks,

Burhan

 

[Daniel E.]

Your best bet is to call the prescribing doctor.

 

[Retired]

As has been said, your best advice is to contact the doctor who prescribed the lorazepam for specific instructions for your situation, because the doctor is familaar with your medical history and diagnosis.

The biologic half life of lorazepam (Ativan) is about twelve hours, and usually reaches steady state (the point where the amount ingested equals the amount eliminated) in about three to four days. This rapid steady state is beneficial at the start of therapy, as it allows the doctor to evaluate the effectivenss of the medication fairly quickly.

At the termination of therapy, on discontinuation, the medication needs to be tapered, to avoid rapid withdrawl symptoms. Your doctor would be your best advisor as to whether the symptoms you experienced were due to the discontinuation of lorazepam, or your diagnosis, and would be able to recommend a tapering program.

Your doctor may recommend you maintain the dose at which you have become accustomed until you begin a tapering schedule.

Are you able to contact your doctor for advice and instructions?

 

[binsel]

My Dr is on leave for 2 months and the others are not prescribing me Lorazepam. The last one told me to go to a general hospital.

 

[Daniel E.]

and the others are not prescribing me Lorazepam

But they are still obligated (at least ethically) to tell you how to taper down -- if you ask.

Calling your pharmacist may be another option.

 

[Retired]

Burhan,

As a last resort, if you cannot get help from your doctor or pharmacist, use the supply you have and take 0.5 mg for a few days, then 0.25 mg for a few days, then 0.25 every other day ending by 0.25 mg every third day.

Divide your supply equally for as long as your 6 tablets will last.

Use the tapering plan recommended by your doctor or pharmacist, because this suggestion is offered only as a last resort.

 

[Daniel E.]

Also:

The short answer is it really isn't that critical. The whole purpose of tapering is to allow your body time to adapt to lower doses before adapting to no dose, i.e., to prevent or minimize withdrazwal in the case of drugs like lorazepam.

Do what ever is comfortable and works for you. There are no hard and fast rules.

http://forum.psychlinks.ca/prescrip...-lorazepam-and-taking-effexor.html#post174785

BTW, two good books on anxiety by David Burns:

The Feeling Good Handbook (also covers depression)

When Panic Attacks

 

[binsel]

Burhan,
As a last resort, if you cannot get help from your doctor or pharmacist, use the supply you have and take 0.5 mg for a few days, then 0.25 mg for a few days, then 0.25 every other day ending by 0.25 mg every third day.
Divide your supply equally for as long as your 6 tablets will last.
Use the tapering plan recommended by your doctor or pharmacist, because this suggestion is offered only as a last resort.

It will leave me with no Lorazepam if I get major panic attacks during withdrawal. I guess I have go through this anyway. Thanks.

Also:
BTW, two good books on anxiety by David Burns:
The Feeling Good Handbook (also covers depression)
When Panic Attacks

I read
* The Feeling Good Handbook by David Burns
* The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne
* Your Depression Map by Randy Paterson
They are helpful as long as you ARE ABLE TO practise their recommendations.

Thank you,

Burhan

 

[Retired]

It will leave me with no Lorazepam if I get major panic attacks during withdrawal

If you feel this medication provides relief from panic attacks and that you are concerned about future attacks, then you should be asking your doctor for a renewal prescription or a prescription for what the doctor feels will provide relief.

It sounds like you may have to advocate on behalf of yourself by providing your doctor with information about your symptoms. By being informed, you become an empowered patient who can work in partnership with your doctor.

There should be no excuse for you to live in fear of a panic attack and not get necessary relief from your doctors.

If you are not already being seen by a psychiatrist, you may want to ask your family doctor for a referral to a specialist who can treat your symptoms.